Long before lifts start spinning, fall fills up with gear swaps, film nights, parties and other gatherings that bring skiers, riders and those who dream of endless winter together to prepare for the season ahead. 

Ski, Snowboard and Winter Sports Swaps 

The region’s annual gear swaps are the place to score sweet deals on previously used and sometimes new gear. Shop for everything from alpine ski and snowboard equipment, backcountry gear, snowshoes and Nordic skis to technical outerwear and accessories such as goggles, helmets, hats and gloves.  

Oct. 18: 49° North Ski Swap (Colville) 

Kicking off the region’s ski swap schedule, head to Colville, Wash., for your first shot of the season to pick up new-for-you ski and snowboard gear. This low-key swap offers deals without the crowds. 49’s swap runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Colville Fairgrounds.  

Oct. 25-26: The Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap (Spokane) 
This swap staple has been on repeat for decades and remains one of the region’s largest pre-season swaps with over 25,000 new and used items. This year, the region’s largest swap lands at the Spokane Fair & Expo Center, with racks of skis, snowboards, boots and outerwear ready for a new home. There’s also typically a great selection of discounted new gear available. Most of the region’s resorts are usually at the swap for season pass purchase and pick up. 

Nov. 6: University of Idaho Outdoor Equipment Sale & Ski Swap (Moscow) 

Celebrating its 50^th year, the University of Idaho’s annual swap is one of the longest-running in the region, outfitting students, families and the wider outdoor community for the season ahead. The Thursday night event from 6–8 p.m. at the Student Rec Center in Moscow, Idaho, always draws a big turnout. With a wide range of outdoor gear in addition to ski and snowboard equipment and outerwear, it’s well worth the drive from Spokane or Coeur d’Alene. Admission is $5 per person from 6–6:30 p.m., $1 from 6:30–7 p.m., and free after 7 p.m. Full-time U of I students and kids under 12 get in free anytime. Those looking to sell gear can grab a spot for $10, with setup beginning at 5 p.m. Hosted in partnership with the U of I Vandal Ski Team, all proceeds from admission support the team. Shoppers can expect to find a wide range of outdoor equipment—everything from skis, snowboards, and snowshoes to tents, rafts, bikes and climbing gear.  

Nov. 8: The SARS Annual Ski Swap (Sandpoint)  
Sandpoint’s 2025 swap, put on as a fundraiser for the Schweitzer Alpine Racing School (SARS), is set for the Bonner County Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This mountain-town swap packs a punch with some great deals on high-quality gear. Mark your calendar even if you live in Spokane in case you miss or don’t find what you were looking for at the Mt. Spokane swap. 

Nov. 15: Coeur d’Alene Ski Swap (Coeur d’Alene)  

The Lake City’s swap at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with public check-in for selling equipment the night before. Admission is free for those looking to buy gear. Follow the swap’s Facebook page for updates and more information. 

Preseason Events and Parties 

One of the best ways to rally your stoke for the snow to start falling is to commune with other skiers and riders. Here are a few options planned around the region this fall, with more sure to pop up as the leaves begin to turn. 

Oct. 4–5: Rocktoberfest Weekend at 49 Degrees North 

49 Degrees North hosts its 2^nd annual Rocktoberfest Weekend with live music, a brewfest, a 5k trail run on Sunday, games and the chance to grab season passes early. Live music includes the Johnny Rosado Experience, Denver Rhiannon and Northwest Breeze with DJ Evergreen mixing it up between sets.  

Nov. 7: Solnix Parking Lot Party with Ski & Snowboard Movies  

This second-year event takes over the Solnix ski and board shop parking lot on Division Street in Spokane. Enjoy an evening with your skiing and riding buddies with beer from local breweries, food from Hapa Hawaiian Grill food truck, and a selection of ski and snowboard films on a massive screen. Solnix will also be raffling off some killer gear, with all proceeds benefiting the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center’s avalanche forecasting work. The season’s latest gear will be available in the shop, along with 30% off last year’s skis and snowboards while they last. 

Nov. 21: 10th Annual Pray for Snow Party at Spokane’s Perry Street Brewing  

This annual bash pays homage to the ski gods in hopes of bringing on an epic season. The Friday-night celebration of ski and snowboard culture includes ski films, festive retro attire, beer specials, raffle drawings and music that brings a lively community together before the lifts start spinning. All funds raised support the South Perry Neighborhood’s T.E.A.M. Grant program. 

Ski and Snowboard Films 

Film nights, another fall ritual, bring fresh stoke to the screen and the local ski and snowboard scene. Many of our ski film screenings sell out, so get your tickets while you can. 

Sept. 11: Mountainfilm on Tour Spokane  

The Jess Roskelley Foundation is bringing this powerful lineup of adventure and activism films back to Spokane, headlined by the film “Trango,” which documents the first ski descent off Pakistan’s 20,623-foot Great Trango Tower. Canadian ski mountaineer Christina Lustenberger, whose team of three made the climb and descent in 2024, will be at the screening in person at Gonzaga University’s Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center. The evening includes a Q&A with Lustenberger and legendary Spokane climber John Roskelley, who was part of the team that first climbed the same peak in 1977. The film brings to life one of the most difficult ski-mountaineering feats ever attempted, with stunning drone footage and raw storytelling. The event starts with a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. followed by the films at 6:30. 

Oct. 15 & 16: Teton Gravity Research’s New Film “Pressure Drop” 
The latest film from Teton Gravity Research (TGR), “Pressure Drop,” is part of TGR’s 2025 ski and snowboard film tour, which is making stops in Sandpoint at the Panida Theater, Oct. 15, and Spokane’s Bing Crosby Theater on Oct. 16. The film features top athletes like Kai Jones, Jeremy Jones, Maggie Voisin and others. “Pressure Drop” doesn’t just showcase athletes pushing limits; it digs into the camaraderie, humor and grit that bind the community together. Viewers can expect TGR’s signature mix of high-octane freeride action, big-mountain lines and creative backcountry segments shot around the globe. With a soundtrack built to match the energy of the riding, the film promises a theater experience that channels the stoke of winter’s return. 
 

Nov. 8, 12, & 13: Warren Miller’s New Film “SNO-CIETY” 

Warren Miller’s new release, “SNO-CIETY,” tours through the region with multiple stops, kicking off at Sandpoint’s Panida Theater Nov. 8. A Nov. 12 showing follows at North Idaho College’s Schuler Performing Arts Center in Coeur d’Alene, with your last chance to catch the film on Nov. 13 at the Bing Crosby Theater in downtown Spokane. Expect an amped-up crowd, giveaways and plenty of hype for snow. 

Matchstick Productions’ “After the Snowfall”  

Matchstick Productions’ new film “After the Snowfall” blends awe-inspiring ski footage with a deeper look at the culture and community that define life on snow. Shot in places like Norway’s Lyngen Alps, British Columbia, Japan, and North America’s extreme-mountain terrain, the film follows world-class athletes and highlights everyday skiers and mountain-town locals, weaving themes of risk, camaraderie and joy. Last year, Saint George’s School’s outdoor club sponsored a Spokane screening, but stay tuned for details on this year’s Inland Northwest tour stop. 

Backcountry Film Festival  
The 21st Annual Backcountry Film Festival is a celebration of backcountry skiing, splitboarding and other human-powered winter sports and the culture that make them thrive. Produced by Winter Wildlands Alliance, film nights featuring this year’s films are in the works for Spokane, Sandpoint, Moscow, and Chewelah between this fall and spring 2026. Spokane Mountaineers typically host the Spokane show, with Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education bringing the tour to Sandpoint in past years. Keep an eye out for dates and details. (OTO) 

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One of the greatest things about living in the Inland Northwest for many winter enthusiasts is the close proximity to the border with Canada and British Columbia mountain towns, ski resorts, backcountry terrain, hot springs, and friendly people. The currency exchange rate continues to save Americans around 25% percent on everything from hotel beds and lift tickets to meals and everything else. Crossing the border is easier than ever, as getting a passport or enhanced ID being affordable and more convenient. Don’t miss out on another season of BC winter adventures! 

SKI & SNOWBOARD RESORTS 

Apex Mountain Resort 

Location: Penticton, B.C. 

Summit: 7,175 ft. 

Lifts: 2 chairs, T-bar, & magic carpet 

Runs: 79 marked; 40+ unmarked 

Vertical: 2,000 + ft. 

Annual Snowfall: Nearly 20 ft. 

From Spokane: 5 hours 

Why Go: Dry, light powder; over 12,000 acres of backcountry/slackcountry terrain; close to amazing Okanagan Valley wineries. 

Baldy Mountain Ski Resort 

Location: Oliver, B.C. 

Summit: 9^th highest ski resort in Canada (7,580 ft.) 

Lifts: 2 + T-bar and magic carpet 

Terrain: 35 alpine runs, 360 acres of trails, and 240 acres of glades  

Annual Snowfall: 25 ft. 

From Spokane: 4.5 hours 

Why Go: Dry Okanagan powder; no crowds; 80% beginner and intermediate terrain. 

Big White Ski Resort 

Location: Kelowna, B.C. 

Summit: 7,606 ft. 

Lifts: 16 

Patrolled area: 2,834 acres 

Vertical: 2,550 ft. 

From Spokane: 4.5 hours 

Why Go: The second-largest ski resort lift system in Canada with real Champagne powder (and minimal lift lines); 100% ski-in ski-out accommodations; huge, vibrant village with over 20 restaurants and bars and plenty of off-the-slopes fun; super family friendly with new Kids’ Centre, a magic carpet and plenty to do for all ages and abilities (even for non-skiers). 

Fernie Alpine Resort 

Location: Fernie, B.C. 

Summit: 7,000 ft. 

Lifts: 10 

Skiable acres: 2,500 

Vertical: 3,945 ft. 

Snowfall: 29 ft. 

From Spokane: 5 hours 

Why Go: Fernie is an action-packed, real-deal ski town with seemingly endless resort and backcountry skiing and snowboarding; the views of jagged Rocky Mountain peaks above town will blow your mind. 

Kicking Horse 

Location: Golden, B.C. 

Summit: 8,218 ft. 

Lifts: 5 

Skiable acres: 3,486 

Vertical: 4,314 ft. 

Snowfall: 24 ft. 

Inbounds chutes: 85+ 

From Spokane: 6.5 hours 

Why Go: 60% advanced & expert terrain including 85+ inbounds chutes; and the fifth-biggest vertical in North America! 

Kimberley Alpine Resort 

Location: Kimberley, B.C. 

Summit: 6,500 ft. 

Lifts: 5 

Resort acres: 1,800+ 

Vertical: 2,465 ft. 

Snowfall: 13 ft. 

From Spokane: 4.5 hours 

Why Go: Some of the sunniest skiing and riding in the Kootenays; over 40% of the terrain is intermediate; night skiing, largest gladed terrain in North America. 

Panorama Mountain Resort 

Location: Invermere, B.C. 

Summit: 8,038 ft. 

Lifts: 10 

Resort terrain: 2,975 acres 

Vertical: 4,265 ft. 

Annual Snowfall: 16+ ft. 

From Spokane: 5.5 hours 

Why Go: Top 10 vertical in North America; 75% of the runs are suitable for beginners and intermediates. 

Phoenix Ski Area 

Location: Grand Forks, B.C. 

Lifts: 2 (T-bar and rope tow) 

Terrain: 15 runs 

Vertical: 800 ft. 

From Spokane: 3.25 hours 

Why Go: Great place for families to ski together and beginners of any age to learn; super unique community ski hill vibe. 

RED Mountain Resort 

Location: Rossland, B.C. 

Summit: 6,807 ft. 

Longest Run: 4.3 miles  

Lifts: 8 

Skiable Acres: 3,850 

Vertical: 2,919 ft. 

Annual Snowfall: 300 inches 

From Spokane: 2.5 hours 

Why Go: Huge, excellent terrain; in-bounds cat-skiing; epic tree-skiing and in-bounds steeps; nearly 82% of the terrain is intermediate to advanced; unique on-mountain lodging options. 

Revelstoke Mountain Resort 

Location: Revelstoke, B.C. 

Lift-top Elevation: 7,300 ft. 

Lifts: 4 

Skiable Acres: 3,121 

Longest Run: 9.5 miles 

Vertical: 5,620 ft. 

Annual Snowfall: 30-45 ft. 

From Spokane: 6 hours 

Why Go: Biggest vertical in North America; incredible in-bounds expert terrain; 45% intermediate terrain. 

Salmo Ski Hill 

Location: Salmo, B.C. 

Annual Snowfall: Plenty 

From Spokane: 3 hours 

Why Go: Fully-lit night skiing; great family-friendly terrain with a rowdy t-bar; old-school community ski hill on the way to Nelson. 

SilverStar Mountain Resort 

Location: Vernon, B.C. 

Summit: 6,280 ft. 

Lifts: 12 

Runs: 132  

Skiable Acres: 3,282  

Vertical: 2,500 ft. 

Annual Snowfall: 275 inches 

From Spokane: 6 hours 

Why Go: Colorful, ski-in, ski-out mid-mountain village; access to alpine slopes, Nordic trails, tubing, ice skating, and fat bike and snowshoe trails; B.C.’s third-largest resort and Canada’s largest daily-groomed cross-country trail network. 

Summit Lake Ski and Snowboard Area 

Location: Nakusp, B.C. 

T-bar: 1 

Acres: 30 

Vertical: 500 ft. 

From Spokane: 4.5 hours 

Why Go: Laid-back, old-school Kootenay ski experience with night skiing on Fridays. On the way to Revelstoke and Rogers Pass. 

Sun Peaks Resort 

Location: Kamloops, B.C. 

Summit: 7,060 ft. 

Lifts: 13 

Patrolled area: 4,270 acres 

Vertical: 2,893 ft. 

Annual Snowfall: 19+ ft. 

From Spokane: 8 hours 

Why Go: True to its name, Canada’s second-largest ski area soaks up over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year on average. 

Whitewater Ski Resort 

Location: Nelson, B.C. 

Summit: 6,700 ft. 

Lifts: 5  

Skiable Acres: 3,247 

Vertical: 2,014 ft. 

Annual Snowfall: 40 ft. 

From Spokane: 3 hours 

Why Go: 40 feet of Kootenay pow annually (on average); 55% advanced in-bounds terrain and incredible lift-accessed backcountry; new on-mountain lodging and RV camping; Nordic trail system; and friendly vibe, no cell service, legendary food, and proximity to Nelson, B.C.’s mountain town amenities.   

HOT SPRINGS 

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort 

A short drive north from Nelson, the natural hot springs were first visited by the Ktunaxa First Nations peoples for healing and rejuvenation. Today the resort is fittingly owned by Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of the Ktunaxa Nation of Creston, B.C. Ainsworth Hot Springs includes warm, mineral-rich waters in a pool and a natural cave without the sulfur odor associated with some hot springs. There’s also a cold plunge pool, stunning views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains, and onsite hotel and excellent Ktunaxa Grill restaurant. 4 hours from Spokane. 

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort 

Canada’s largest natural mineral hot spring with views of the Canadian Rockies. Resort includes a hot pool; large, warm swimming pool; and dive pool. There are a variety of lodging and dining options at the resort and an on-site, family-friendly ski hill. 5 hours from Spokane. 

Halcyon Hot Springs 

This remote and beautiful resort along Upper Arrow Lake 20 miles north of Nakusp, B.C., is on the way to Revelstoke and an incredible destination all its own. Enjoy mineral-rich natural hot spring pools, a kid’s spray park, and majestic lake-side views of the Monashee Mountains. Multiple on-site lodging options and the Chanterelle Restaurant and Bar. 5.5 hours from Spokane. 

Nakusp Hot Springs 

This community-owned hot springs in the Selkirk Mountains near the village of Nakusp and Upper Arrow Lake consists of two pools (one warm, one hot) fed by nearby natural springs. Rental chalets, camping and snowshoeing trails, and backcountry skiing options are nearby. 5.25 hours from Spokane. 

Radium Hot Springs 

Two large pools (one hot, one warm) provide soaking in natural mineral water within Kootenay National Park near the communities of Radium and Invermere. 5.5 hours from Spokane. 

FAT BIKING 

You can find fat biking trails, shared Nordic trails, and rentals at many of the ski resorts listed in this guide, but some of the best singletrack winter bike trails are being groomed in and around Rossland, Cranbrook, and Fernie, B.C.  

Rossland, B.C. 

Ride over 12k of machine-groomed trails around Rossland, including loops that start in or near town and RED Mountain Resort. Stop by Revolution Cycles for fat biking trail maps and local advice or for bike rental or gear needs.  

Fernie, B.C. 

Beginner, intermediate and expert riders will find a variety of groomed and user-packed trails for fat biking right out of downtown Fernie and another 12k or so of groomed multi-use trails at Fernie Alpine Resort. Stop by one of the local bike shops for recommendations. 

Cranbrook, B.C. 

Cranbrook has valley terrain, with plenty of flats and rolling hills that make for a great groomed fat bike trails system. Grooming typically happens in the South Star Cross Country Ski Area and the Cranbrook Community Forest, with up to 60-70k of trails groomed each winter that include options for all levels of riders.  

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING  

British Columbia has over 50 Nordic skiing areas across the province, with many of them located within an hour or two from the U.S. border. Most alpine ski and snowboard resorts have groomed cross-country trails, and many communities have additional groomed cross-country trail systems (some with lighting for night skiing) with excellent facilities. 

SilverStar Resort/Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre 

Canada’s largest network of daily-groomed cross-country ski trails begins at the SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon, B.C. Connected to SilverStar’s 55k of world-class trails is another 50k of groomed Nordic trails at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre (dual mountain passes available). 

Nelson Nordic Trails 

Located 10 minutes south of Nelson on Highway 6 at the Whitewater Ski Area turnoff, the Nelson Nordic Ski Club maintains 30k of groomed trails (classic and skating tracks) for all levels. The trail system includes a day lodge, two warming huts, and 1.5k of lit trails for night skiing.   

Black Jack Ski Club Trails 

Five minutes north of Rossland, the 40k Black Jack cross-country trail system is one of the premier Nordic areas in western Canada and the closest B.C. trail system to Spokane. In addition to the groomed classic and skate skiing trails, there is a 2.5k lit night-skiing loop. 

Kimberley Nordic Club Trails 

The Kimberley Nordic Club hosts a 33k, first-class groomed trail network including double track, single track, and a center skating lane. The trail system on the edge of Kimberley includes a 3.3k lit loop for night skiing, a lodge with bathrooms, and a warming hut. 

Fernie Nordic Trails 

There are over 50k of groomed cross-country trails around Fernie, from beginner circuits to advanced trails. You can explore one of these different trail systems in the spectacular wilds of the Canadian Rockies each day of your trip: Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Golf Club, Island Lake Lodge, Montane, and the Elk Valley Nordic Centre.  

Paulson Cross-Country Ski Trails 
There is an excellent Nordic trail system close to the town of Castlegar. The Castlegar Nordic Ski Club grooms 52-kilometres worth of trails at the Paulson Cross Country Ski Trail system 20 miles from downtown.  

BACKCOUNTRY 

Scoring untracked backcountry powder on skis or a splitboard in the Kootenay-Rockies region of B.C. can take on many forms, from earning your turns on day tours, fully-catered hut trips, and vertical-maximizing cat ski or heli ski adventures (avalanche/backcountry gear, training, and awareness are essential). These popular ski-touring meccas offer endless opportunities to start exploring on your own; however, avalanche risks abound so go prepared. 

Kootenay Pass: Just north of the border near Salmo and Creston, this popular backcountry area can get crowded on weekends. Excellent terrain on both sides of the highway. 

Whitewater Ski Resort: Whitewater’s spectacular in-bounds riding is just the beginning of what this gateway to backcountry terrain has to offer those equipped to access the powder fields and steeps you can’t see from the lodge. 

Rossland/RED Mountain Resort: There are plenty of backcountry ski tours in the Rossland Range as well as lift-accessed touring possibilities from the resort and cat skiing. Check RED’s backcountry page for any updates to their touring policy and visit Backcountry Skiing Canada’s Rossland page for more info. 

Fernie: The long season and jagged Rocky Mountain peaks around Fernie make for dramatic ski touring and splitboarding out of the resort and other nearby alpine areas. Two local cat skiing operations make for a great guided option to explore the backcountry. 

Rogers Pass: This legendary backcountry destination between Revelstoke and Golden demands respect and a keen awareness of avalanche dangers. The big mountain terrain has gained a reputation that attracts skiers from around the world. 

Backcountryskiingcanada.com: This treasure trove of backcountry ski and splitboarding route recommendations, forums, and other valuable information and resources will help you explore B.C.’s wide range of backcountry options wisely.

Sponsored  

The post EXPLORE THESE WINTER DESTINATIONS IN SOUTHEAST BRITISH COLUMBIA   appeared first on Out There Venture.

^{This post is sponsored by these West Koot Route Partners}

The West Koot Route connects over a dozen communities in the West Kootenay Region of southeast British Columbia just a few hours north of Spokane. The towns and small cities are as diverse and rich with character as the mountain- and lake-filled wild landscapes that make up this rugged corner of the Northwest. All of those mountains mean an abundance of outdoor winter adventures are possible without the crowds you’d expect in the states. Load up your boards, bikes, skinny skis and snowshoes and hit the road for a magical time north of the border!

Rossland

The closest destination on the West Koot Route to the Spokane area, the historic mining town of Rossland, is a real-deal ski bum town and the home to the renowned powder grounds of RED Mountain Resort. With its nearly 3,000 feet of vertical and massive 3,850 acres of terrain, RED is comparable size-wise to some of the biggest resorts in North America, just way more real and uncrowded! Ski off five different peaks, score $10 in-bounds cat skiing runs, chow down at Canada’s only snowbound taco truck, and soak up some suds and high-energy vibes at Rafters Bar, once rated the #1 après ski spot in the world by Powder Magazine. With 300” average annual snowfall, fresh snow is often in the cards, but just in case, Big Red Cats serves up mind-blowing glade and tree skiing on 20,000 acres of backcountry terrain.

While RED has a growing list of excellent lodging options and a few places to eat and imbibe after a day of powder slashing, Rossland, a few-minutes drive from the resort, offers plenty of lodging, provisions, and nightlife options. Once you’re settled in for your stay, everything a well-rounded ski town needs is within walking distance, or, in the case of getting to and from RED, a quick ride on the Rossland Ski Bus. Places to rest your head range from budget to comfort-focused rooms. The historic downtown harbors an eclectic array of restaurants, bars, cafes, ski and gear shops and liquor and grocery stores.

Given that Rossland locals are as passionate about biking as they are about snow riding, it’s no surprise that Rossland is also a ski town with a fat biking problem. Largely viewed as something to do between powder dumps just a few years ago, riding the miles of groomed snowy singletrack around Rossland has of late become a draw of its own for fatty-rollin’ out-of-towners.

If Nordic is your winter sport of choice, Black Jack Ski Club across the highway from RED features 50k of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, including 2.5k of lit trails for night skiing. Or, a few miles up the highway at Strawberry Pass, ski tour or snowshoe in to one of 12 funky yet functional day-use cabins for lunch or a snack around a wood stove fire. Visit Tourism Rossland at Tourismrossland.com for more info and winter adventure inspiration.

Castlegar

A choose your own adventure town that’s close to just about everything you could want to do outside in the winter. Back in the day, I wouldn’t think twice about bouncing around from one adventure to the next and sleeping wherever just to wake up, move on, and do it all over again in a new place. But these days, often with my family in tow, I’ve grown to appreciate settling in to a place and not having to pack and unpack more than necessary. Castlegar, a small city located at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers, is the perfect home base for multi-day winter adventures in the Kootenays.

Conveniently located a short drive from two legendary BC ski resorts—RED Mountain (35 minutes) and Whitewater (55 minutes)—you can stay put and watch and wait for the weather to play out before committing to one or the other. If the conditions aren’t cooperating, there are endless backcountry skiing and splitboarding options close by.

For those looking for a serene glide through the forest, there are also excellent Nordic trails close to town. The Castlegar Nordic Ski Club grooms 52-kilometres worth of trails at the Paulson Cross Country Ski Trail system located 20 miles from downtown.

The expansive snowmobile terrain is also a big draw. There are several zones around Castlegar with groomed and ungroomed snowmobile routes ranging from beginner-friendly forest roads to more advanced steep slopes and open, ungroomed meadows. The Castlegar Snowmobile Association maintains several warming cabins and grooms over 70k of trails around Castlegar in the Norns, Ladybird and Goose Creek areas.

Back in town, Castlegar has everything you’ll need for the perfect winter getaway, including a wide range of lodging and restaurant options. Part of the unique draw of Castlegar is the beautiful and friendly small-town setting, and compared to urban areas in the U.S., the pace of life in this often-sunny river town is more laid back.

Make the time to walk the downtown streets after a day of outdoor adventures and check out the dozens of impressive sculptures on the Castlegar sculpture walk. (Castlegar is known as the sculpture capital of Canada!) There are several other winter walking trails around town too. Or take the kids sledding (aka tobogganing) at one of the local hills or ice skating at the outdoor skating rink. Find more trip planning info at Destinationcastlegar.com.

Arrow Lakes & Slocan Valley

The expansive wildness that I love about the B.C. Kootenays quickly becomes even more intense as you drive north from Nelson or Castlegar into the Slocan Valley. Mountains and water frame your view and the epic ski terrain that flies by your window as you drive north includes the makings of fairy tale ski resorts, yet this mostly pristine country largely remains the playground of backcountry enthusiasts.

One could earn their turns climbing up and sliding down world-class terrain through endless pow on day trips in these mountains all winter long, but the big draw for many skiers and snowboarders who come from all over the world is the concentration of helicopter and snowcat-accessed backcountry huts and lodges. From these cozy mountain oases, guests get access to remote, truly world-class ski touring terrain or heli-accessed adventures. Trips range from multi-day guided and fully-catered all-inclusive packages as well as DIY adventures. Once you and your crew are all set up in one of the many lodges or huts spread out in the surrounding Monashee and Selkirk mountains, days are filled with ski touring or heli-skiing legendary powder that can range from extreme alpine terrain more suited for advanced skiers and snowboarders to naturally gladed slopes that can be enjoyed by a wider range of abilities.

More off the radar but definitely worth a visit for any aficionado of smaller community ski hills, the Summit Lake Ski and Snowboard Area is the perfect laid-back winter adventure destination for any mixed group or family looking to play in the snow their own way at their own pace. Located 16k southeast of Nakusp, Summit Lake offers old-school T-Bar access to 30-acres of slopes. Plus, there’s a day lodge, rental shop, and night skiing on Friday nights.

After all of that time sliding through deep snow, nothing beats a soak in hot mineral water. 35k north of Nakusp, Halcyon Hot Springs Resort takes soaking to the next level. The pools, with gorgeous Upper Arrow Lake and Monashee Mountain views, are the perfect relaxation reset with cabin and cottage lodging options scattered in the surrounding forest. Plan to eat at the on-site restaurant Alcédo for what may be the best restaurant at a hot springs resort anywhere.

Nakusp Hot Springs, 16k east of Nakusp, offers an amazing community soaking experience at this non-profit-run pool. Properly soaked with mood-enhancing minerals, you should be plenty relaxed and ready to fit right in with the laid-back vibe of the local lakeside communities of Nakusp, New Denver, or wherever you’re staying in the valley. Explore the Arrow Lakes and Slocan Valley area online and find more trip-planning resources at Arrowslocan.com.

Nelson and Kootenay Lake Region

Out of all of the stops along a winter tour of the West Koot Route, Nelson offers the most urban cultural amenities, from craft dining and imbibing choices to boutique and mom and pop shopping, arts (check out the self-guided mural tour), and health and wellness experiences including yoga, spas, retreats and more. Even though Nelson has a more small-city feel and doesn’t have a ski resort on its doorstep, don’t get the wrong idea: this magical and historic community surrounded by mountains and overlooking Kootenay Lake is a skiers’ town.

Whitewater Ski Resort is just down the highway, a short scenic drive that will take just enough time to finish a large cup of local’s-choice Oso Negro coffee. Whitewater is a no-frills resort that’s all about the skiing and riding with 2,000 feet of vert and over 3,000 acres of terrain that happens to get some of the most snow in the pow-blessed Kootenays (40 feet average annually). While Whitewater proudly proclaims the mountain’s lack of cell service, the resort continues to invest in the quality of the skiing and snowboarding experience, adding a new quad chairlift for the upcoming 23/24 season. Whitewater is also your destination for resort-access to extensive out-of-bounds backcountry terrain. While the boundaries between resort and backcountry are well defined, the Whitewater culture is one that embraces the pursuit of powder in all of its forms inbounds or out. It also must be mentioned that any trip to Whitewater wouldn’t be complete without eating at least once at one of the excellent eateries that serve food that’s so good the resort has its own cookbook!

A little-known fact: the Nelson area has another claim to skiing fame. It’s the cat skiing capital of world! Backed up by having more cat skiing operations in one place than anywhere else on this massive planet, guests can expect powder run after run with day-long vertical drops of up to 18,000 feet or more.  

A half hour north of Nelson, Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort—with public pool soaking sessions, a horseshoe cave, lodging that includes expanded soaking hours, and fantastic dining options—is a welcome oasis in the snowy Selkirk Mountains. If you’re looking to stretch your legs before a soak, head another 15 minutes north to the village of Kaslo, a snowshoer’s paradise with miles of trails winding their way up the Kaslo River from town. Find more info at Nelsonkootenaylake.com.

Start planning your north-of-the-border winter getaway along the West Koot Route at Westkootroute.com.

Cover photo by Kari Medig courtesy of Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism

The post West Koot Winter Wonderland appeared first on Out There Venture.

SKI & SNOWBOARD RESORTS

Apex Mountain Resort

Location: Penticton, B.C.

Summit: 7,175 ft.

Lifts: 2 chairs, T-bar, & magic carpet

Runs: 79 marked; 40+ unmarked

Vertical: 2,000 + ft.

Annual Snowfall: Nearly 20 ft.

From Spokane: 5 hours

Why Go: Dry, light powder; over 12,000 acres of backcountry/slackcountry terrain; close to amazing Okanagan Valley wineries.

Baldy Mountain Ski Resort

Location: Oliver, B.C.

Summit: 9^th highest ski resort in Canada (7,580 ft.)

Lifts: 2 + T-bar and magic carpet

Terrain: 35 alpine runs, 360 acres of trails, and 240 acres of glades

Annual Snowfall: 25 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

Why Go: Dry Okanagan powder; no crowds; 80% beginner and intermediate terrain.

Big White Ski Resort

Location: Kelowna, B.C.

Summit: 7,606 ft.

Lifts: 16

Patrolled area: 2,765 acres

Vertical: 2,550 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

Why Go: The second-largest ski resort lift system in Canada with real Champagne powder (and minimal lift lines); 100% ski-in ski-out accommodations; huge, vibrant village with over 20 restaurants and bars and plenty of off-the-slopes fun; super family friendly with new magic carpet and plenty to do for all ages and abilities (even for non-skiers).

Fernie Alpine Resort

Location: Fernie, B.C.

Summit: 7,000 ft.

Lifts: 10

Skiable acres: 2,500

Vertical: 3,550 ft.

Snowfall: 30 ft.

From Spokane: 5 hours

Why Go: Fernie is an action-packed, real-deal ski town with seemingly endless resort and backcountry skiing and snowboarding; the views of jagged Rocky Mountain peaks above town will blow your mind.

Kicking Horse

Location: Golden, B.C.

Summit: 8,218 ft.

Lifts: 4

Skiable acres: 3,486

Vertical: 4,314 ft.

Snowfall: 24 ft.

Inbounds chutes: 85+

From Spokane: 6.5 hours

Why Go: New terrain was added in 2018; 60% advanced & expert terrain including 85+ inbounds chutes; and the fifth-biggest vertical in North America!

Kimberley Alpine Resort

Location: Kimberley, B.C.

Summit: 6,500 ft.

Lifts: 5

Resort acres: 1,800+

Vertical: 2,465 ft.

Snowfall: 13 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

Why Go: Some of the sunniest skiing and riding in the Kootenays; over 40% of the terrain is intermediate; friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

Panorama Mountain Resort

Location: Invermere, B.C.

Summit: 8,038 ft.

Lifts: 10

Resort terrain: 2,975 acres

Vertical: 4,265 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 16+ ft.

From Spokane: 5.5 hours

Why Go: Top 10 vertical in North America; 75% of the runs are suitable for beginners and intermediates.

Phoenix Ski Area

Location: Grand Forks, B.C.

Lifts: 2 (T-bar and rope tow)

Terrain: 15 runs

Vertical: 800 ft.

From Spokane: 3.25 hours

Why Go: Great place for families to ski together and beginners of any age to learn; super unique community ski hill vibe.

RED Mountain Resort

Location: Rossland, B.C.

Summit: 6,807 ft.

Longest Run: 4.3 miles

Lifts: 8

Skiable Acres: 3,850

Vertical: 2,919 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 300 inches

From Spokane: 3 hours

Why Go: Huge, excellent terrain. $10/run in-bounds cat-skiing; epic tree-skiing and in-bounds steeps; nearly 82% of the terrain is intermediate to advanced; unique on-mountain lodging options including the Nowhere Special Hostel and on-mountain Constella Cabins on the backside of Granite Mountain.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Location: Revelstoke, B.C.

Lift-top Elevation: 7,300 ft.

Skiable Acres: 3,121

Longest Run: 9.5 miles

Vertical: 5,620 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 30-45 ft.

From Spokane: 6 hours

Why Go: Biggest vertical in North America; incredible in-bounds expert terrain; 45% intermediate terrain; new lift and beginner terrain added in 2019/20.

Salmo Ski Hill

Location: Salmo, B.C.

Annual Snowfall: Plenty

From Spokane: 3 hours

Why Go: Fully-lit night skiing; great family-friendly terrain with a rowdy t-bar; old-school community ski hill on the way to Nelson.

SilverStar Mountain Resort

Location: Vernon, B.C.

Summit: 6,280 ft.

Lifts: 11

Runs: 132

Skiable Acres: 3,282

Vertical: 2,500 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 275 inches

From Spokane: 6 hours

Why Go: Colorful, ski-in, ski-out mid-mountain village; all-inclusive lift ticket includes access to alpine slopes, Nordic trails, tubing, ice skating, and fat bike and snowshoe trails; B.C.’s third-largest resort and Canada’s largest daily-groomed cross-country trail network.

Summit Lake Ski and Snowboard Area

Location: Nakusp, B.C.

T-bar: 1

Acres: 30

Vertical: 500 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

Why Go: Laid-back, old-school Kootenay ski experience.

Sun Peaks Resort

Location: Kamloops, B.C.

Summit: 7,060 ft.

Lifts: 13

Patrolled area: 4,270 acres

Vertical: 2,893 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 19+ ft.

From Spokane: 8 hours

Why Go: True to its name, Canada’s second-largest ski area soaks up over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year on average.

Whitewater Ski Resort

Location: Nelson, B.C.

Summit: 6,700 ft.

Lifts: 5

Skiable Acres: 3,247

Vertical: 2,014 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 40 ft.

From Spokane: 3 hours

Why Go: New Raven quad chairlift and terrain for 23/24 season. 40 feet of Kootenay pow annually (on average); 55% advanced in-bounds terrain and incredible lift-accessed backcountry; friendly vibe, no cell service, legendary food, and proximity to Nelson, B.C.’s mountain town amenities. 

HOT SPRINGS

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort

A short drive north from Nelson, the natural hot springs were first visited by the Ktunaxa First Nations peoples for healing and rejuvenation. Today the resort is fittingly owned by Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of the Ktunaxa Nation of Creston, B.C. Ainsworth Hot Springs includes warm, mineral-rich waters in a pool and a natural cave without the sulfur odor associated with some hot springs. There’s also a cold plunge pool, stunning views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains, and onsite hotel and excellent Ktunaxa Grill restaurant. 4 hours from Spokane.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

Canada’s largest natural mineral hot spring with views of the Canadian Rockies. Resort includes a hot pool; large, warm swimming pool; and dive pool. There are a variety of lodging and dining options at the resort and an on-site, family-friendly ski hill. 5 hours from Spokane.

Halcyon Hot Springs

This remote and beautiful resort along Upper Arrow Lake 20 miles north of Nakusp, B.C., is on the way to Revelstoke and an incredible destination all its own. Enjoy mineral-rich natural hot spring pools, a kid’s spray park, and majestic lake-side views of the Monashee Mountains. Multiple on-site lodging options and the highly praised Alcédo restaurant. 5.5 hours from Spokane.

Nakusp Hot Springs

This community-owned hot springs in the Selkirk Mountains near the village of Nakusp and Upper Arrow Lake consists of two pools (one warm, one hot) fed by nearby natural springs. Rental chalets, camping and snowshoeing trails are nearby. 5.25 hours from Spokane.

Radium Hot Springs

Two large pools (one hot, one warm) provide soaking in natural mineral water within Kootenay National Park near the communities of Radium and Invermere. 5.5 hours from Spokane.

FAT BIKING

You can find fat biking trails, shared Nordic trails, and rentals at many of the ski resorts listed in this guide, but some of the best singletrack winter bike trails are being groomed in and around Rossland, Cranbrook, and Fernie, B.C.

Rossland, B.C.

Ride over 12k of machine-groomed trails around Rossland, including loops pieced together from the Centennial Trailhead, RED Mountain Resort, or in town. Stop by Revolution Cycles for fat biking trail maps and local advice or for bike rental or gear needs. The Redstone Golf Course in Rossland also has groomed fat biking trails. There are typically ridable sections of trail (depending on conditions) on both sides of the highway at the Seven Summits Trail trailhead (check out the new Cedar Trail).

Fernie, B.C.

Beginner, intermediate and expert riders will find a variety of groomed and user-packed trails for fat biking right out of downtown Fernie and another 12k of groomed multi-use trails at Fernie Alpine Resort. Book a “learn to fatbike” session at Fernie Alpine Resort and spend a few hours with an experienced guide. Visit Tourismfernie.com for updated trail and grooming info and a winter recreation map or stop by one of the local bike shops for recommendations.

Cranbrook, B.C.

Cranbrook has valley terrain that is similar to Spokane and North Idaho, with plenty of flats and rolling hills that make for a great groomed fat bike trails system. Grooming typically happens in the South Star Cross Country Ski Area and the Cranbrook Community Forest, with up to 60-70k of trails groomed each winter that include options for all levels of riders. Check out Trailforks, the Wildhorse Cycling Club, or Cranbrook Community Forest Society Facebook pages, or Gerick Sports for trail beta and updates.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

British Columbia has over 50 Nordic skiing areas across the province, with many of them located within an hour or two from the U.S. border. Most alpine ski and snowboard resorts have groomed cross-country trails, and many communities have additional cross-country trail systems that are regularly groomed with excellent facilities and nearby amenities.

SilverStar Resort/Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre

Canada’s largest network of daily-groomed cross-country ski trails begins at the SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon, B.C. Connected to SilverStar’s 55k of world-class trails is another 50k of groomed Nordic trails at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre (dual mountain passes available).

Nelson Nordic Trails

Located 10 minutes south of Nelson on Highway 6 at the Whitewater Ski Area turnoff, the Nelson Nordic Ski Club maintains 30k of groomed trails (classic and skating tracks) for all levels. The trail system includes a day lodge, two warming huts, and 1.5k of lit trails for night skiing. 

Black Jack Ski Club Trails

Five minutes north of Rossland, the 40k Black Jack cross-country trail system is one of the premier Nordic areas in western Canada and the closest B.C. trail system to Spokane. In addition to the groomed classic and skate skiing trails, there is a 2.5k lit night-skiing loop.

Kimberley Nordic Club Trails

The Kimberley Nordic Club hosts a 33k, first-class groomed trail network including double track, single track, and a center skating lane. The trail system on the edge of Kimberley includes a 3.3k lit loop for night skiing, a lodge with bathrooms, and a warming hut.

Fernie Nordic Trails

There are over 50k of groomed cross-country trails around Fernie, from beginner circuits to advanced trails. You can explore one of these different trail systems in the spectacular wilds of the Canadian Rockies each day of your trip: Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Golf Club, Island Lake Lodge, Montane, and the Elk Valley Nordic Centre.

Paulson Cross-Country Ski Trails
There is an excellent Nordic trail system close to the town of Castlegar. The Castlegar Nordic Ski Club grooms 52-kilometres worth of trails at the Paulson Cross Country Ski Trail system20 miles from downtown.

BACKCOUNTRY

Scoring untracked backcountry powder on skis or a splitboard in the Kootenay-Rockies region of B.C. can take on many forms, from earning your turns on day tours, fully-catered hut trips, and vertical-maximizing cat ski or heli ski adventures (avalanche/backcountry gear, training, and awareness are essential). These popular ski-touring meccas offer endless opportunities to start exploring on your own; however, avalanche risks abound so go prepared.

Kootenay Pass: Just north of the border near Salmo and Creston, this popular backcountry area can get crowded on weekends. Excellent terrain on both sides of the highway.

Whitewater Ski Resort: Whitewater’s spectacular in-bounds riding is just the beginning of what this gateway to backcountry terrain has to offer those equipped to access the powder fields and steeps you can’t see from the lodge.

Rossland/RED Mountain Resort: There are plenty of backcountry ski tours in the Rossland Range as well as lift-accessed touring possibilities from the resort and cat skiing. Check RED’s backcountry page for any updates to their touring policy and visit Backcountry Skiing Canada’s Rossland page for more info.

Fernie: The long season and jagged Rocky Mountain peaks around Fernie make for dramatic ski touring and splitboarding out of the resort and other nearby alpine areas. Two local cat skiing operations make for a great guided option to explore the backcountry.

Rogers Pass: This legendary backcountry destination between Revelstoke and Golden demands respect and a keen awareness of avalanche dangers. The big mountain terrain has gained a reputation that attracts skiers from around the world.

Backcountryskiingcanada.com: This treasure trove of backcountry ski and splitboarding route recommendations, forums, and other valuable information and resources will help you explore B.C.’s wide range of backcountry options wisely.

The post Explore these Winter Destinations in Southeast BC appeared first on Out There Venture.

Since the beginning of both the glorious sports of skiing and snowboarding, all ski bums of new and old keep making up new ski lingo that takes some getting used to. It’s not always easy to talk like a shredder.

My uncle is the Rossignol rep for the Northwest, and as a kid I frequently made the trip down to Mt. Hood to visit him. He spoke English, but in a different way. His was the language of the ski or snowboard extremist.

I was becoming a shredder at this point, but listening to my uncle made me realize I had just found another route to becoming an even better and more steezy skier: by learning the language.

Earlier this year, I was up skiing Revelstoke when I started talking to a 60-year-old logger from Oregon. I asked him if he wanted to take the skier’s left or right chute off the top of the sub-peak at Revy. He said, “What did you just say, son?”

I had to explain to him that as a snowboarder you face both uphill and downhill, but skiers always face downhill. This interaction was a reminder that the language of skiers and snowboarders is ever-evolving.

It made me wonder what I may not even know. And that experience also made me think about a few phrases that are still common on the mountain today.

Photos by Aaron Theisen, courtesy of Ski the NW Rockies.

New School Ski Lingo

Jib: Jump or rail feature that is off piste or off the trail.

Send/boost: To hit a jump that throws you as close to the moon as you could possibly go.

Steeze: Amount of style you have.

Shred: Going down difficult terrain as fast and hard as you can.

Park Rat: The skiers and boarders that only go to the Terrain Park.

Nuking/dumping: When it’s snowing cats and dogs.

Jerry: The skiers and boarders that have no idea what they are doing and are charging down the mountain. (Editor’s Note: See Jerry examples on Instagram @Jerryoftheday, which has some of the best, most funny captions and hashtags; also see @Jerryslams.)

Gaper: The distinguished gap between a Jerry’s helmet and goggles; Another term for a newbie.

Snow Bunny: A female skier or boarder that is attractive and shreds harder than most of the people on the mountain.

Pizza: The mechanism that newbie skiers use on the slopes to go down the mountain. In other words, their skis look like a V.

Falling Leaf: Snowboarders who can’t turn, so they stay on heel side the whole way down the mountain.

Grom: A little skier or boarder who rips down the mountain.

Après Ski: After skiing activities that usually include drinking.

Ski Terrain Terms

Glades: Trees that have been thinned out for skiing.

Chute/Couloir: Tight, steep ski lines that are bound on both sides by trees or rocks.

Moguls: Bumps created by skiers.

Groomer/Corduroy: Result of machines making the snow flat and wavy like a Ruffles chip so the skiing is easier and faster.

Pillow Line: Large boulders when covered with snow can make some epic lines when jumping from rock to rock.

Other Ski Terms

Bluebird: Blue skis and sunny! Break out the sunnies.

Gnarly: Tough terrain. Double black diamond, presumably.

Chatter: What happens to your skis when the ski hill turns into an ice rink and your edges don’t stick.

Side Country: Out of bounds at a resort that may or may not require using the resort’s lifts for access.

Liftie: The employee who puts you on and off the lift.

Tracked Out: When all the fresh snow has been skied on and you can no longer ski that fresh pow.

Originally published as “The Language of Shredders, Revisited” in the March-April 2022 issue, as the culture feature in the Out There Snow special section.

Logan Siegford is an avid snowboarder, rock climber, and fisherman who grew up in North Idaho. This is his first article for Out There.

Shredder Talk: Sending it on a bluebird (left); park rat fun (top right), and meet-up on the corduroy during a bluebird day (bottom right). // Photos courtesy of Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park.

Check out more ski lingo in “Talk Like a Skier: Gaper’s Guide to Ski Lingo” by Brad Naccarato, published in the February 2014 print issue.

[Feature photo courtesy of Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park.]

The post How To Talk Like a Shredder appeared first on Out There Venture.

When asked, I always say my favorite season is the next. But recently, I sat and thought about this answer. Am I missing the end of each season chasing the next? Is the climbing rack collecting dust too early? Are the spring lines melting away without my mark?

Not this year. My favorite season is now! 

Like so many others, for me November is filled with obsessively watching the snow forecast a month too early. Chasing baseless snow comes next for December. Tiptoeing through avy danger and pow fills much of January and February while glimpsing spring lines. And March, April, and beyond?

This is the crux of my “favorite season is next” sabotage. It’s easy to miss the best backcountry riding season in spring.

The weekend before this writing in late February was no exception. While swinging my arms in a desperate attempt to gain warmth on the mountain, the clouds parted for a fleeting glimpse of steep lines and couloirs that normally just occupy my winter day dreams. It was not the day to be chasing those lines.

A menu of low angle trees and deep snow kept those demons at bay. However, plans were made to return in spring when the sun would shine a bit longer, the avy danger can be lower, and the fight to keep my fingers alive would be a distant memory.

Back at the car, as the day’s effort faded, we continued with spring plans. We discussed the long valley dirt roads that open up slowly and allow deeper, easier access to those distant peaks. We joked about fishing in alpine lakes after harvesting a dream come true line. Muddy boot packs, too much sunscreen, and not enough energy are the time stamps of spring riding.

But, quickly, panic filled my thoughts as I was asked when I was headed to Smith Rock, in Central Oregon, to bask in the sun and prove to myself I am not in climbing shape this early in the year. I relayed the date and thought to myself, did I just do it again? Did I close the spring touring season before it even opened?

Writing and thinking on this has brought out two obvious storylines. The first, and very much the most important, is that I am extremely privileged. The regret of missing one way to have fun while transitioning to another is not a luxury that should be taken lightly. While it can cause me stress, that itself is ridiculous.

The other, while pulling out my warm season gear can be exciting, it doesn’t mean winter has to occupy that storage space. It just so happens that the climbing rack may want to catch up with the splitboarding gear to swap some stories for a couple months.

Speaking on privilege, don’t ever forget how lucky we are in the Northwest to have options—to pack both sets of gear and to have the ability to choose. We are so lucky to live where we do.

During your next best season daydream, try not to close one season before it is over, and maybe also insert a new friend into the scene. The more people we can bring into our dreams the better this world will be.

My new motto for the year? My favorite season is now.

See you out there, tired and smiling.

Originally published as “My Favorite Season is Now” in the Out There Snow special section in the March-April 2022 issue.

You are as likely to find Kirby Walke descending a backcountry stash, at the crag, on an urban trail, or supporting a local outdoor cause. He last wrote about bridging the rural/urban outdoor recreation divide in the March 2019 issue of Out There.

Find more stories about backcountry skiing or splitboarding in the OTO archives.

The post My Favorite Season Is Now: Spring Ski or Climb? appeared first on Out There Venture.

Thankfully we live in an amazing part of the country with plenty of close-to-home opportunities to get outside in nature. Stepping out into the fresh air can boost all-natural mood-enhancing chemicals in our bodies. Just being in nature, even without strenuous exercise, can be a healthy distraction from life’s troubles. Bundle up, safely grab a loved one or two, and get out there and embrace this COVID winter armed with this list of favorite winter pastimes from some of our region’s most passionate devotees of the great outdoors.

Daniel Shaw, Coeur Climbing Company Climbing Gym Co-Owner

Fat Biking All Over. “I usually ride the trails of Canfield Mountain (Cave Trail 4 usually being the best), but 4th of July pass, Saltese Flats, Liberty Lake, and Farragut are also good. Some of these trails are groomed for fat biking but I usually just ride in preexisting tracks or fresh snow.”

Ice Climbing. “Ice climbing is fickle around here but can be guaranteed to be in all winter in Hyalite Canyon near Bozeman, Mont., and Banff, Canada (which is off limits to us Americans this season because of COVID).  I also love Banks Lake ice climbs, but they are rarely in good condition. I can keep up my ice climbing strength by dry tooling in my basement.”

Running Tubbs. “My wife and I run 3-6 days a week, and we are never kept indoors due to weather. Our favorite run is from our house around Tubbs Hill and back. We have rubber band studded spikes to help with traction.” 

Playing in the Snow with the Kids. “We usually sled, ice skate, and play in the snow with the kids all winter long. I have three boys: Payson 11, Nolan 9, and Naty 7 who love Fernan Saddle and Fernan Lake for all those activities.”

Jane Huang, Greasy Fingers Bikes N’ Repair Bike Shop

North Idaho Fat Biking. “Section 16 in Bonners Ferry or Indian Creek at Priest Lake are great.” Huang also likes to fat bike Round Lake State Park and the Selkirk Recreation District Trails near Sandpoint, and she lists snowshoeing the trails at Round Lake to pack the trails in for fat biking as another favorite winter pastime.

Ice Skating around Sandpoint. Huang is keeping her fingers crossed for solid ice on North Idaho lakes for some wild ice skating this winter. She also banking on Bonners Ferry opening a rink at the fairgrounds like in past years. (Editor’s Note: Skate rink did open in Dec. 2020.)

Derrick Knowles, Out There Venture Publisher

Walking Errands. “I often plan walks to the grocery store or post office with my 5-year-old son. It’s about a mile from our house to our neighborhood grocery store and a little farther to the post office. We usually pack up snacks, drinks, and lots of warm layers in our Thule stroller which we also use to haul groceries and my son when he gets tired of walking and playing along the way. It’s a great way for us to get exercise, spend time together outdoors, and check a chore off the list.”

Justin Short, Truck Driver & Out There Contributor

Editing Adventure Videos. “Honestly, I really enjoy a little downtime sitting in front of a crackling fire with a dog in my lap, sipping tea, and editing video of previous adventures. I have to keep up on the Gravel Braintrust YouTube channel in case that trucking thing doesn’t work out.”

Getting Fat Bike Air. “The snow has to be juuust right, but there’s nothing like ripping my favorite jump lines at Beacon Hill on Wheelie Nelson, my trusty fat bike.”

Planning a Winter Suffer Fest. “The idea of an almost 200-mile gravel loop from Spokane down to Steptoe Butte through the Palouse in the blistering heat of summer sounds nothing less than daunting. So why not ride it in the dead of winter?” And so the Mt. Doom Fun Ride was born. 

Zach McCall, Inland Northwest Winter Fishing Fanatic

Fishing Rock Lake. “Rock is my favorite lake to fish in the winter and is known for producing large German brown and rainbow trout.” Trout are typically the most active fish in the winter, says McCall, although he notes that anglers can also hook largemouth bass, perch, or crappie. “Some of the best fishing in this lake is done by boat, but don’t let that stop you from fishing the bank at the launch. I have caught my fair share of fish right there with my feet on dry land.”

Ice Fishing 4th of July Lake. This lake near Sprague, Wash., is one of the area’s true winter-only fishing lakes, says McCall.  “4th of July Lake opens the day after Thanksgiving and stays open until March 31.” When the lake isn’t frozen, there are plenty of shore fishing possibilities that can be accessed by hiking one of several trails from the parking lot, says McCall. “When frozen there is full lake access for those willing to brave the elements to fish through the ice.”

Fishing Long Lake (aka Lake Spokane). “This lake is possibly one of the most overlooked bodies of water for winter fishing in the area.” There are several areas along the lake anglers can access from shore, says McCall. Winter boat access is also possible using the Spokane House launch (water level permitting) or the Willow Bay Resort (when open), he says. “Rainbow trout are the most common catch in the winter, but it is not unheard of to hook a northern pike, walleye, or smallmouth bass.” 

Holly Weiler, Trail Advocate & Out There Contributor

Hike Somewhere New. A recent new hike for Weiler involved checking out the Hauser Conservation Area, but, she says, “it’s easily replicated by picking some place that’s within a 30-45-minute drive and checking it out for the first time.”

Hiking & Fishing Lake Roosevelt. Weiler likes winter fishing from the shore on Lake Roosevelt, which she says is usually very good, but whenever it’s not, she switches gears. “I quit fishing early and hike along the shoreline with a trash bag and pick up a bunch of trash. There are usually bald eagles, too, and once there was even a family of otters near my favorite fishing spot (which is, of course, a secret).”

Hike in the Snow with a Pair of Hoks. “They’re awesome,” says Weiler about the ski/snowshoe hybrid created by Altai Skis based in northeast Washington. “Once we have enough snow on the ground, playing with my Hoks is one of my favorite things to do.”

Ice Skating on a Pond or Lake. “I used to have a goal to pick up a new sport every year. One that I’ve been trying to pick up but haven’t been able to pull off yet is ice skating on a frozen lake. I need to have the perfect weather window to make it happen, but I picked up a pair of used hockey skates at a thrift store a couple years ago, and I’m waiting for nice solid ice without too much snow on top. Probably someplace like Hog Lake or 4th of July.”

Hike the High Desert. “If I ever get tired of playing in the snow, I head to the desert for some winter hiking or backpacking instead. There are places I’d never go in the middle of summer that are pretty awesome for mid-winter.” Check out the book “Best Desert Hikes: Washington” for hike recommendations.

Katie Wiseman, Outdoors Ambassador & REI Spokane Employee

Snowshoe with a Slide Back Down. For a fun twist on snowshoeing, Wiseman suggests taking “a pow surfer or sled with you on your snowshoe adventure. You can hike up and sled down.” Make sure you can carry your snowshoes on a backpack, she warns. Wiseman recommends exploring areas off of I-90 between 4^th of July Pass and Lookout Pass in North Idaho away from potential avalanche terrain.

Picnic in the Snow. “Bring a shovel and dig out a place to eat and cook. Sit on an insulated pad and enjoy the quiet.” You can go all out with favorite warm and tasty dishes, says Wiseman. Just don’t forget your headlamp and backup batteries.

Play Frisbee Golf in the Snow. Round up some discs and some friends and “be prepared to snowshoe or posthole and bring extra warm gloves,” says Wiseman.

Dig Chrismer, Schweitzer Mountain Resort Marketing Manager

Go Skiing. “Granted, I am seriously biased, but skiing frees my mind. While I’m out there, I’m not thinking about my finances or what’s for dinner or how on Earth I’m going to help my kids get their homework done. I’m just skiing, breathing the cold air, looking at those beautiful glades, enjoying the feel of the snow. One can forget for a little bit and just enjoy. That’s such a gift.” 

Wandering Sandpoint’s Public Lands Trails. Chrismer has high praise for the Syringa and Pine Street Woods trail systems. “There are some really cool sculptures tucked into the woods on the Syringa Trails near Sandpoint, and I love being able to go say hi to them when walking in the woods. The concept of ‘shinrin-yoku’ or forest bathing is just what we all need this winter, and a stop at the windchimes really makes my soul feel good.”

Skate Skiing at Schweitzer. Trying something totally new, in her case skate skiing at Schweitzer, is a great way to shake things up this winter, says Chrismer. “Our Nordic trails happen to go uphill, both ways, and that’s a great challenge! Not being a particularly gifted Nordic skier, trying something new this winter has been a blast. I fall down, I go too fast, I laugh, I sweat, and I see another side to one of my favorite places. It’s really been good to open myself up to something new right now. I’m very grateful for that.”

Jeff Lambert, Executive Director of the Dishman Hills Conservancy

Hike Spokane’s Slavin Conservation Area. “The Slavin Ranch is a favorite for hiking during winter. It is close to town with an easy drive, the trails are relatively flat and wide, and waterfowl are always there for viewing,” says Lambert, who especially recommends this hike during winter evenings because the trail is easy to follow without a headlamp. Lambert also suggests trails on the nearby Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge for similar wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities.

Hike Rocks of Sharon. “A sunny day after a snowfall means the Rocks of Sharon and pine trees will be adorned with white coats shimmering in the sun.” The trail in the Dishman Hills Conservation Area in Spokane Valley climbs steadily and snowshoes or, more likely, micro spikes, might be needed, says Lambert. “The view over the Palouse is spectacular with striated fields…and Steptoe Butte poking up in the distance. And you might see a moose.”

Cross-country Ski at Mount Spokane. The Nordic trails at Mount Spokane State Park offer some of the best cross-country ski trails in the Northwest, says Lambert. “Extensive trails mean physical distancing is easy. Even on a busy day, the trails seem uncrowded.”

Stroll along the Spokane River. “A walk along the swirling Spokane River is a boost to the morale. The walk on the Centennial Trail from Riverfront Park east takes one past Gonzaga and the No-Li Brewery if one is inclined to grab a beer or food.”

Brenda Christensen, Two Wheeler Dealer Co-Owner

Winter Biking Farragut State Park. “Cycling has become a year-round activity for me. My mountain bike gets the most use although once we get a base of snow I’ll start using my fat bike more.  Farragut offers great beginner-to-intermediate mountain bike trails, says Christensen, and when there is enough snow they have groomed and marked XC ski and fat bike trails, as well as snowshoe and hiking trails too.

Work Out at Home. “I try to stay on top of my strength training at home,” says Christensen, whose home gym setup includes three different size weights, an exercise ball, and a mat. “When getting outside just isn’t an option, I also use my indoor trainer,” she says. “I have training DVDs that offer about an hour of focused training and have also been testing out a few of the training apps. Rouvy has been my favorite so far.”  

Ammi Midstokke, Nutritionist & Out There Contributor

Under-the-Stars Sledding. “Night-time sledding parties down our wicked driveway—a 1/4 mile luge run-of-death that requires a helmet, a headlamp, and a cocktail of courage and stupidity. We make a fire pit at the top, put some hot chocolate in a few thermoses, and fire up the ATV to drag survivors back up the hill. The best part is the laughter and hysterical screams that echo down the hill, forever etched in my memory like some of the scars on my forehead.”

Snowshoeing to the Summit of Schweitzer. The path from the Firehouse to the top “is usually well-worn, and it winds through a Narnia of trees before creeping out of the tree-line to the exposed snow drifts of the ridge,” says Midstokke. “At the very top, we see skiers floating by. This is also a favorite of Freya the Brown Dog.” Be sure to heed any private property signs you might encounter along this route and respect the ski area boundary line.

Fat Bike Sandpoint Trails. Midstokke raves about the fat biking trails at Syringa and Pine Street Woods in Sandpoint. “The collaborative efforts that have gone into these beautiful networks of trails is remarkable. The trails wind through hundreds of acres of wooded lands and offer every kind of view one would hope for, just the right amount of traffic (a hello from time to time, usually some friendly person you know), and lots of happy dogs. I particularly love the quiet pace of fat biking in fresh snow and the way it’s so magical. Also, crashing hurts less.”

Adam Gebauer, Biologist & Out There Contributor

Ski in the Middle of Nowhere. “When conditions are right, backcountry skiing is one of my favorite outdoor activities. It combines the fun of finding untracked lines with a great workout and plenty of time to watch the day unfold around you.” There are many great backcountry skiing and splitboarding spots in the Inland Northwest, but like great fishing holes, most backcountry powder stashes are best left vaguely defined to help protect what makes them so special.

Urban Dog Walks. “Dog snow romps are an accessible activity that let you say hi to your neighbors who are out strolling or shoveling their driveway. It is a COVID-safe activity too where we can see faces and engage with our neighbors.”

Carol Corbin, Outdoors Junkie & Public Land Advocate

Pretend It’s Summer. “I do the same things in the winter that I do in the summer,” says Corbin, just with the requisite winter gear to make those activities more fun, safe, and comfortable.

Desert Bike Packing. “Another thing is heading out to the desert if you’re tired of snow.” Corbin says a recent bike packing trip she organized in central Washington was pretty rad. Just map out a scenic, mostly gravel route, load up the bike, and go.

Originally published as “47 Things to Do Outside This Winter” alongside sidebar content in the January-February 2021 double issue.

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Take clinics in the epic Whitewater backcountry and experience in-bounds clinics all taught by expert instructors. Don’t miss one of the best gatherings of ski and snowboard demo gear in the Northwest, and if you’re feeling competitive, take part in the ROAM Randonee ski mountaineering race. And a gathering of backcountry snow riders wouldn’t be complete without a party. You’ll definitely want to make it to the Bush Party on Saturday evening, organized by Kootenay Mountain Culture. Explore the local arts and mountain culture scene in Nelson, whilst sampling local beers, tasting delicious food, and mingling with top names in the winter sports industry.

The Coldsmoke Demo Village

One of the largest in the industry, The Coldsmoke Village boasts a large variety of vendors with an extensive quiver of next years’ sliding devices to make sure you’re on the right track. And it’s all 100% free and fully loaded; it’s worth popping in. The Village is a hub from dawn to dusk with music, lots of gear to try, with knowledgeable reps to help you with your gear questions, fun contests, and more. For a full schedule of the event, including the times of the Coldsmoke Village click HERE.  There will be plenty of opportunities to win great prizes from our partners!

Backcountry & Inbounds Clinics

Take part in a wide range of skill-building clinics to improve your backcountry skiing or snowboarding game! Find the whole schedule and registration info here. Don’t wait, many clinics fill up! Clinics include route finding & reading terrain, managing avalanche terrain, intro to splitboarding, intro to backcountry, ladies only intro to backcountry, intro to freeride, women’s ski and board clinics, advanced freeskiing, off-piste telemark, advanced splitboard tour, crevasse rescue, and more!

Register for Coldsmoke!

Find all the details to plan your Whitewater and Nelson, BC, powder escape and register for clinics here: https://coldsmokepowderfest.com/coldsmoke-powder-festival-2020

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Off-Piste is a hybrid English-French word that means to deviate from what is conventional or expected. If you’re a skier, it most certainly means seeking out your own untracked lines. The word conjures up intrigue, adventure, and the beauty of skiing away from groomed slopes. Dave Waag, editor of the Hood River, Oregon-based magazine and website by the same name, has been covering the sport for the last 20 years since “Off-Piste Magazine’s” beginnings in 1999. 

The magazine has gone through many changes over the years. Off-Piste is no longer available in the classic and often collected black and white newsprint version, but during its run was issued four times a year. Yet the essential elements of the magazine remain on the website at Offpistemag.com, which hosts gear reviews, beta on where to ski, soulful narratives about winter backcountry travel, trailers for independent ski films, and avalanche safety resources.  

Though the website is a paired down version from the print issues of old, it remains an outlet, Waag says, for the “true user”— a skier who explores the backcountry for the pure love of being out in the winter wilds with little interest in the entanglements of industry-sponsored ski culture and marketing. 

Interest in and popularity of backcountry skiing have increased substantially since 1999. In the magazine’s early days, however, Waag says backcountry skiing wasn’t something many people did, and there weren’t many publications speaking into that world. “Most ski magazines weren’t representing the more adventurous spirit of ski touring,” he says. In Off-Piste, the style of skiing was much more backcountry exploration and free-heel oriented. “It was largely a telemark based crowd, especially here in the Northwest,” he says. 

When it comes to extremes in the sport, Waag says, “Off-Piste never strove to represent that. I left that to the glossy magazines and the big movies. I’ve always had a little bit of disdain for the representation that you can just clip on your skis and go jump off a cliff or climb the highest thing you can find and ski whatever line you’d like.” It was important to him to make sure that safety and the authentic spirit of backcountry winter travel were well represented—especially since it wasn’t well represented anywhere else.  

Notably, the magazine featured articles on avalanche safety when there were relatively few backcountry resources available. Today, a Google search for “backcountry skier” reveals a glut of images of skiers dangling off steep, exposed slopes in remote landscapes. While pushing boundaries is part of backcountry skiing and splitboarding for many riders, knowledge and experience are required to do it safely. “Off-Piste” continues to publish content that prioritizes backcountry safety and avalanche awareness as critical knowledge skiers need before venturing into the wilds. 

A few highlights of “Off-Piste” include their annual gear review issues, international ski trip reports, personal and often humorous narratives about winter backcountry touring, and a film called “Skiing in the Shadow of Genghis Khan.” The film, a project of Waag and Nils Larsen, a Northeast Washington skier and creator of ski/snowshoe hybrid backcountry gear company Altai Skis, it features a skiing culture from Central Asia that has depended on skis for mobility and hunting for a thousand years. 

One similarity between the print and online magazine is the popularity of gear reviews, and there’s a really good reason for this overlap. Waag explains, “In my estimation, gear innovation has opened the door to skiing untracked snow for all skiing levels. It used to be that to ski powdered snow, you had to have some pretty definitive skills, because we were skiing these fairly narrow skis with questionable bindings….as soon as skis got wider, the ability to float and turn and use your speed all came together for anybody from modest, intermediate and beyond.” 

What brings many skiers to the mountains continues to speak to Dave Waag and the direction of Off-Piste. “Untracked turns in the mountains,” he says, “that is the number one thing.” // 

Originally published as “Off-Piste Magazine” in the December 2019 issue.

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Winter adventure doesn’t stop at the U.S./Canada border; in fact, opportunities to ski and ride, wander, and explore hip mountain towns only get bigger, better, and less crowded once you cross the 49^th parallel. Out There’s 2^nd annual B.C. Ski & Winter Travel Guide comes at a time when the exchange rate still favors American visitors to Canada, with savings on everything in the 25-30% range. And with ski and stay and other travel deals in abundance, it’s time to get your border-crossing ID in order and head north! 

SKI & SNOWBOARD RESORTS 

Apex Mountain Resort 

• Location: Penticton, B.C. 
• Summit: 7,175 ft. 
• Lifts: 2 chairs, T-bar, & magic carpet 
• Runs: 79 marked; 40+ unmarked 
• Vertical: 2,000 + ft. 
• Annual Snowfall: Nearly 20 ft. 
• From Spokane: 5 hours 
• Why Go: Dry, light powder; 5,000 hectares of backcountry/slackcountry terrain; close to amazing Okanagan Valley wineries. 

Baldy Mountain Ski Resort 

• Location: Oliver, B.C. 
• Summit: 9^th highest ski resort in Canada (7,580 ft.) 
• Lifts: 2 + magic carpet 
• Terrain: 35 alpine runs, 360 acres of trails, and 240 acres of glades  
• Annual Snowfall: 25 ft. 
• From Spokane: 4.5 hours 
• Why Go: Dry Okanagan powder; no crowds; 80% beginner and intermediate terrain. 

Big White Ski Resort 

• Location: Kelowna, B.C. 
• Summit: 7,606 ft. 
• Lifts: 15 
• Patrolled area: 2,765 acres 
• Vertical: 2,550 ft. 
• From Spokane: 4.5 hours 
• Why Go: The 2^nd largest ski resort lift system in Canada with real Champagne powder (and no lift lines); 100% ski-in ski-out accommodations; huge, vibrant village with over 20 restaurants & bars and plenty of off-the-slopes fun; super family friendly with new magic carpet and plenty to do for all ages and abilities (even for non-skiers). 

Fernie Alpine Resort 

• Location: Fernie, B.C. 
• Summit: 7,000 ft. 
• Lifts: 10 
• Skiable acres: 2,500 
• Vertical: 3,550 ft. 
• Snowfall: 30 ft. 
• From Spokane: 5 hours 
• Why Go: Fernie is an action-packed, real-deal ski town with seemingly endless resort and backcountry skiing and snowboarding; the views of jagged Rocky Mountain peaks above town will blow your mind. 

Kicking Horse 

• Location: Golden, B.C. 
• Summit: 8,218 ft. 
• Lifts: 5 
• Skiable acres: 3,486 
• Vertical: 4,314 ft. 
• Snowfall: 24 ft. 
• Inbounds chutes: 85+ 
• From Spokane: 6.5 hours 
• Why Go: New terrain was added in 2018; 60% advanced & expert terrain including 85+ inbounds chutes; and the 5^th biggest vertical in North America! 

Kimberley Alpine Resort 

• Location: Kimberley, B.C. 
• Summit: 6,500 ft. 
• Lifts: 5 
• Resort acres: 1,800+ 
• Vertical: 2,465 ft. 
• Snowfall: 13 ft. 
• From Spokane: 4.5 hours 
• Why Go: Some of the sunniest skiing and riding in the Kootenays; over 40% of the terrain is intermediate; friendly, laid-back atmosphere. 

Panorama Mountain Resort 

• Location: Invermere, B.C. 
• Summit: 8,038 ft. 
• Lifts: 10 
• Resort terrain: 2,975 acres 
• Vertical: 4,265 ft. 
• Annual Snowfall: 16+ ft. 
• From Spokane: 5.5 hours 
• Why Go: Top 10 vertical in North America; 75% of the runs are suitable for beginners and intermediates. 

Phoenix Ski Area 

• Location: Grand Forks, B.C. 
• Lifts: 2 (T-bar and rope tow) 
• Terrain: 15 runs 
• Vertical: 800 ft. 
• From Spokane: 3.25 hours 
• Why Go: Great place for families to ski together and beginners of any age to learn; super unique community ski hill vibe. 

RED Mountain Resort 

• Location: Rossland, B.C. 
• Summit: 6,807 ft. 
• Longest Run: 4.3 miles  
• Lifts: 8 
• Skiable Acres: 3,850 
• Vertical: 2,919 ft. 
• Annual Snowfall: 300 inches 
• From Spokane: 3 hours 
• Why Go: New Topping lift and terrain that will ease occasional Motherlode Chair traffic jams; $10/run in-bounds cat-skiing; epic tree-skiing and in-bounds steeps; nearly 82% of the terrain is intermediate to advanced; new on-mountain lodging options. 

Revelstoke Mountain Resort 

• Location: Revelstoke, B.C. 
• Lift-top Elevation: 7,300 ft. 
• Skiable Acres: 3,121 
• Longest Run: 9.5 miles 
• Vertical: 5,620 ft. 
• Annual Snowfall: 30-45 ft. 
• From Spokane: 6 hours 
• Why Go: Biggest vertical in North America; incredible in-bounds expert terrain; 45% intermediate terrain; new lift and beginner terrain for 2019/20. 

Salmo Ski Hill 

• Location: Salmo, B.C. 
• Annual Snowfall: Plenty 
• From Spokane: 3 hours 
• Why Go: Fully-lit night skiing; great family-friendly terrain with a rowdy t-bar; old-school community ski hill on the way to Nelson. 

SilverStar Mountain Resort 

• Location: Vernon, B.C. 
• Summit: 6,280 ft. 
• Lifts: 11 
• Runs: 132  
• Skiable Acres: 3,282  
• Vertical: 2,500 ft. 
• Annual Snowfall: 275 inches 
• From Spokane: 6 hours 
• Why Go: Colorful, ski-in, ski-out mid-mountain village; all-inclusive lift ticket includes access to alpine slopes, Nordic trails, tubing, ice skating, and fat bike and snowshoe trails; B.C.’s 3^rd largest resort; Canada’s largest daily-groomed cross-country trail network. 

Sun Peaks Resort 

• Location: Kamloops, B.C. 
• Summit: 7,060 ft. 
• Lifts: 13 
• Patrolled area: 4,270 acres 
• Vertical: 2,893 ft. 
• Annual Snowfall: 19+ ft. 
• From Spokane: 8 hours 
• Why Go: True to its name, Canada’s 2^nd largest ski area soaks up over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year on average. 

Whitewater Ski Resort 

• Location: Nelson, B.C. 
• Summit: 6,700 ft. 
• Lifts: 3 (and one handle tow)  
• Skiable Acres: 2,367 
• Vertical: 2,044 ft. 
• Annual Snowfall: 40 ft. 
• From Spokane: 3 hours 
• Why Go: 40 feet of Kootenay pow fall here annually (on average); 55% advanced in-bounds terrain and incredible lift-accessed backcountry; friendly vibe, legendary food, and proximity to Nelson, B.C.’s one-of-a-kind mountain town amenities; and home of the Coldsmoke Powder Festival each February.   

HOT SPRINGS 

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort 

When you plan a trip to Whitewater Ski Resort or Nelson, B.C., don’t miss the rewards of the short drive north to Ainsworth. The natural hot springs were first visited by the Ktunaxa First Nations peoples for healing and rejuvenation, and today the resort is fittingly owned by Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of Creston, B.C. The hot springs includes warm, mineral-rich waters in a pool and a natural cave without the sulfur odor associated with some natural hot springs. There’s also a cold plunge pool and stunning views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains.   

• Amenities: Newly renovated hotel rooms (hot springs passes included with your room) and the new, family-friendly Ktunaxa Grill restaurant with an impressive menu and views of the lake. 4 hours from Spokane. 

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort 

Canada’s largest natural mineral hot springs with views of the Canadian Rockies. Resort includes a hot pool, large warm swimming pool, and dive pool. 

• Amenities: A variety of lodging and dining options at the resort and an on-site, family-friendly ski hill. 5 hours from Spokane. 

Halcyon Hot Springs 

This remote and beautiful resort along Upper Arrow Lake 20 miles north of Nakusp, B.C., and on the way to Revelstoke offers mineral-rich natural hot spring pools and majestic lake-side views of the Monashee Mountains. The name “Halcyon” is a reference to a Greek myth and is a term used throughout history as a reference to times of peace and calm, which the resort serves up in abundance. The hot springs also has a spray park for kids. 

• Amenities: Multiple on-site lodging options and the Kingfisher Restaurant featuring healthy gourmet cuisine with many ingredients. 5.5 hours from Spokane. 

Nakusp Hot Springs 

This community-owned hot springs in the Selkirk Mountains near the village of Nakusp consists of two pools (one warm, one hot) fed by nearby natural springs.  

• Amenities: Rental chalets and camping, snack shop, and kids’ playground. More lodging and dining options are available in the village of Nakusp. Nearby trails offer excellent snowshoeing or hiking options. 5.25 hours from Spokane. 

Radium Hot Springs 

Two large pools (one hot, one warm) provide soaking in natural mineral water within Kootenay National Park near the communities of Radium and Invermere. 5.5 hours from Spokane. 

FAT BIKING 

You can find fat biking trails, shared Nordic trails, and rentals at many of the ski resorts listed in this guide, but some of the best singletrack winter bike trails are being groomed in and around Rossland, Cranbrook, and Fernie, B.C.  

Rossland, B.C. 

Ride over 12K of machine-groomed trails around Rossland including loops pieced together from the Centennial Trailhead, Red Mountain Resort, or in town from Revolution Cycles. Stop by Revolution Cycles for a copy of a new fat biking trail map and for bike rental or gear needs. The Redstone Golf Course in Rossland also has another 7k of groomed fat biking trails. There are typically ridable sections of trail (depending on conditions) on both sides of the highway at the Seven Summits Trail trailhead too. 

Fernie, B.C. 

Beginner, intermediate, and expert riders will find a variety of groomed and user-packed trails for fat biking right out of downtown Fernie and another 11k of groomed multi-use trails at Fernie Alpine Resort. Book a ‘learn to fatbike’ session at Fernie Alpine Resort and spend a few hours with an experienced guide. Visit Tourismfernie.com for updated trail and grooming info and a winter recreation map or stop by one of the local bike shops for recommendations. 

Cranbrook, B.C. 

Cranbrook has valley terrain that is similar to Spokane and North Idaho, with plenty of flats and rolling hills that make for a great groomed fat bike trails system. This winter, grooming will include terrain in the South Star Cross Country Ski Area and the Cranbrook Community Forest. The total trail network for the season will be between 60-70K of singletrack, with options for all levels of riders. If you don’t have a fatty, no worries; you can rent one from Bootleg Bike Co. or Kimberley Alpine Resort. 

Check out Trailforks to explore your riding options in and around Cranbrook. And find trail grooming reports on the Wildhorse Cycling Club or Cranbrook Community Forest Society Facebook pages. 

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING  

British Columbia has over 50 Nordic skiing areas across the province, with many of them located within an hour or two from the U.S. border. Most alpine ski and snowboard resorts have groomed cross-country trails, and many communities have additional cross-country trail systems that are regularly groomed with excellent facilities and nearby amenities. 

SilverStar Resort/Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre 

Canada’s largest network of daily-groomed cross-country ski trails begin at the SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon, B.C. Connected to SilverStar’s 55K of world-class trails is another 50K of groomed Nordic trails at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre (duel mountain passes available). 

Nelson Nordic Trails 

Located 10 minutes south of Nelson on Highway 6 at the Whitewater Ski Area turnoff, the Nelson Nordic Ski Club maintains 30K of groomed trails (classic and skating tracks) for all levels. The trail system includes a day lodge, two warming huts, and 1.5K of lit trails for night skiing.   

Black Jack Ski Club Trails 

Five minutes north of Rossland, the 40K Black Jack cross-country trail system is one of the premier Nordic areas in western Canada and the closest B.C. trail system to Spokane. In addition to the groomed classic and skate skiing trails, there is a 2.5K lit night-skiing loop. 

Kimberley Nordic Club Trails 

The Kimberley Nordic Club hosts a 33K first-class groomed trail network including double track, single track, and a center skating lane. The trail system on the edge of Kimberley includes a 3.3K lit loop for night skiing, a lodge with bathrooms, and a warming hut. 

Fernie Nordic Trails 

There are over 50K of groomed cross-country trails around Fernie, from beginner circuits to advanced trails. You can explore one of these different trail systems in the spectacular wilds of the Canadian Rockies each day of your trip: Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Golf Club, Island Lake Lodge, Montane, and the Elk Valley Nordic Centre.  

BACKCOUNTRY 

Scoring untracked backcountry powder on skis or a splitboard in the Kootenay-Rockies region of B.C. can take on many forms, from earning your turns while camped out in the front seat of a Subaru at a mountain pass to fully-catered hut trips and vertical-maximizing cat ski or heli ski tours. Don’t venture into these B.C. backcountry hotspots or any other backcountry terrain, however, without the necessary safety gear and avy/backcountry training. 

Kootenay Pass: Just north of the border near Salmo and Creston, this popular backcountry area can get crowded on weekends. Excellent terrain, reliable snow, and avalanche risks abound on both sides of the highway. 

Whitewater Ski Resort: Whitewater’s spectacular in-bounds riding is just the beginning of what this gateway to backcountry terrain has to offer those equipped to access the powder fields and steeps you can’t see from the lodge. 

Rossland/Red Mountain Resort: There are plenty of backcountry ski tours in the Rossland Range as well as lift-accessed touring possibilities from the resort. Check RED’s backcountry page for any updates to their touring policy and visit Backcountry Skiing Canada’s Rossland page for more info. 

Fernie: The long season and jagged Rocky Mountain peaks around Fernie make for dramatic ski touring and splitboarding out of the resort and other nearby alpine areas. Two local cat skiing operations make for a great guided option to explore the backcountry. 

Rogers Pass: This legendary backcountry destination between Revelstoke and Golden demands respect and a keen awareness of avalanche dangers. The big mountain terrain has gained a reputation that attracts skiers from around the world. 

Backcountryskiingcanada.com: This treasure trove of backcountry ski and splitboarding route recommendations, forums, and other valuable information and resources will help you explore B.C.’s wide range of backcountry options wisely. 

OTHER WINTER ADVENTURES 

Cody Caves 

Open for winter caving tours by email appointment only, Cody Cave Tours offers guided tours of a fragile underground world sculpted by glacier-fed waters above Ainsworth Hot Springs north of Nelson. The winter tour requires a heli-shuttle and/or strenuous snowshoe hike in. 

Go Snowmobiling at Big White 

Experience the backcountry surrounding Big White Ski Resort on your own snowmobile as part of a tour or self-guided trip. Choose from groomed trails and more advanced powder riding routes.    

Snowshoe around Fernie 

Find packed trails and untracked snowshoe wandering at several snowshoeing areas around the vibrant mountain town of Fernie. Or learn about Fernie’s rich history and the mountain environment on a Mountain Heritage Snowshoe Tour interpretive outing or book a snowcat ride, lunch, and snowshoe tour deep in the mountains at Island Lake Lodge. //

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